Well, I finally went ahead and adjusted my valves. I was a little nervous because I had never done this before, but after hearing about how easy it was and checking out MM73's site I gave it a shot. MM73

I was expecting the valves to be WAAAY loose, however I don't think that was the case, although I dunno. I can't believe there's that big of a difference between .010 and .012. It's a damn hair !!

Anyway, I adjusted them, and hopefullyI did it right. The truck started and seems to run fine. I don't know that I'd say that it runs any better, but it MAY be a hair quieter, but if it is, it's only because I'm listening for it. My main reason for doing it was hopefully to get a MPG boost. I'll do whateverI can to increase my MPGs at this point.

 

I've been thinking of doing that as well, for the same reason. How long did it take you?

 

Too long, but then again, you've got to remember, I take my time

I get started, adjust 2 valves, then I get called for dinner, then I adjust 2 valves, then my neightbor stops by and chats for about an hour, adjust 2 valves, then go back and re-check everything because now that it's 11:00PM I FINALLY have the driveway and my time to myself.

 

That's good. Next time you're out West (PA), you can help me do mine.

 

Could it be done in a couple of hours?

 

easily can be done in a couple of hours... that's what it took us (jr & I) and I had him do most of the work. there is a writeup IIRC in the DIY index to help guide you thru it.

the only thing I'd change on it is when you have the timing mark set the 1st time, it does not matter which group of valves you adjust 1st... one set will be ready while the other set (cylinders) will be 180* out. when you do it you'll know what I mean.

 

I did my 2nd gen 24v in about 30mins.

 

I agree with Jake, took about half an hour. Definately no more than 45 minutes. Hardest part is reaching those back couple valves.

 

This might be my project for Saturday.

 

Surprized to hear that rotating the alternator with a serp belt in a diesel will actually rotate the crank. Cant you just rotate the crank pully bolt?